Social Innovations in DIY Publishing: Print-On-Demand Technology and the rise of Indie Community Authorship (Deborah Withers)

From Civilmedia

This presentation will explore the numerous innovations of contemporary Do it Yourself (DIY) publishing, with a particular focus on Print-on-Demand (POD) technology.

In its short life-span, POD publishing methods have offered an accessible way into the publishing industry for groups and individuals who have traditionally existed at its margins. POD methods have been described as the ethical alternative to conventional publishing methods in an increasingly green conscious world. The massive upsurge of POD use has led some bloggers to describe 2009 as the year that POD goes mainstream.

To reflect upon these points, I will outline the ways in which POD technology and indie authorship can offer a socially and technological innovative form of media. I will specifically focus on how it relates to community empowerment.